49ers' Brock Purdy Emerges as Surprise Draft Steal

The final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has quickly become a key piece of the 49ers' championship-caliber roster.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:23pm by

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a 49ers football game or practice, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors like red, gold, and navy blue, conceptually representing the multifaceted nature of Brock Purdy's impact on the team.Brock Purdy's rise from 'Mr. Irrelevant' to key 49ers contributor showcases the value of late-round draft picks and talent development.San Francisco Today

Angel Atienza-Romero of The Big Lead recently identified one draft steal that reshaped each NFL franchise, and for the San Francisco 49ers, the choice is quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers selected Purdy with the final pick (No. 262 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, making him that year's "Mr. Irrelevant." However, Purdy quickly rewrote the narrative by becoming a poised and efficient leader for the 49ers, helping the team reach the NFC Championship Game as a rookie and the Super Bowl the following season.

Why it matters

Purdy's immediate impact and continued success have stabilized the 49ers' championship-caliber roster, allowing the franchise to remain a Super Bowl contender without having to make high-profile quarterback investments. His rise stands as one of the most immediate and impactful late-round transformations in modern NFL history.

The details

Thrust into action as a rookie, Purdy displayed uncommon composure, processing speed, and accuracy in the 49ers' system built on timing and precision. The 49ers later reinforced their belief in Purdy by signing the quarterback to a five-year, $265 million contract extension in 2025, and he validated that investment by helping an injury-plagued roster surge into playoff contention down the stretch last season.

  • Purdy was selected with the final pick (No. 262 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft.
  • Purdy helped lead the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game during his rookie 2022 season.
  • Purdy guided the 49ers to the Super Bowl during the 2023 season.
  • The 49ers signed Purdy to a five-year, $265 million contract extension in 2025.
  • Purdy helped the 49ers surge into playoff contention in the 2024 season despite an injury-plagued roster.

The players

Brock Purdy

The quarterback selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the final pick (No. 262 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, who quickly emerged as a poised and efficient leader for the team.

Angel Atienza-Romero

A writer for The Big Lead who recently identified one draft steal that reshaped each NFL franchise, including Brock Purdy for the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“Selected with the final pick of the draft, Brock Purdy quickly rewrote the narrative around 'Mr. Irrelevant' by becoming a poised and efficient leader for the San Francisco 49ers.”

— Angel Atienza-Romero, Writer

“Purdy's emergence stabilized a championship-caliber roster and allowed the franchise to remain a Super Bowl contender without high-profile quarterback investments. His rise stands as one of the most immediate and impactful late-round transformations in modern NFL history.”

— Angel Atienza-Romero, Writer

What’s next

The 49ers will look to Purdy to continue leading the team's championship-caliber roster as they aim to return to the Super Bowl in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Brock Purdy's remarkable rise from being the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to becoming a key piece of the 49ers' championship-contending team underscores the value of late-round draft picks and the importance of developing talent, even from unexpected sources.